Marilyn Ellis, MTS (McMaster) has many years of experience in caring for people. In Asia she worked with refugees and the workers who serve them, dealing daily with the stress and trauma that clients experienced in very difficult situations. Since her return to Canada in 2001, she has developed a counselling ministry based out of Wentworth Baptist Church, situated in Hamilton's lower city. She is a member of The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC/ACSS). What is pastoral counselling? What difficulties might be brought to counselling? What does this service cost? How do I begin?
What is pastoral counselling? The pastoral counsellor and client meet in a safe, private setting where the client can share struggles in a confidential environment. There the client can talk about an issue or an event that is of concern to them. The counsellor, as an active listener, attempts to assist the client in gaining new insights and understanding of the issue or event which is troubling them. The counsellor offers support and encouragement for the client’s efforts to progress in a positive direction, and the client and counsellor work together to establish goals and objectives to that end.
What difficulties might be brought to counselling? * Relationship difficulties (parent/child, couples, work, friends) * Persistent feelings of pain, sadness, grief or despair * Separation or divorce * Unresolved childhood issues * Cultural tensions * Depression * Problems from growing up in a dysfunctional family * Burn out and stress * Teen issues * Faith issues
What does this service cost? Marilyn’s fees are very reasonable. If the client is experiencing some financial hardship, the consultation fee can be determined on a sliding scale in relationship to the client’s income.
How do I begin? Counselling is available by appointment only. For further information, phone (905) 581-0656. If no one is available to answer in person, you will be able to leave a confidential message for Marilyn in her voice mailbox or email her at: marilyn@willowstream.ca
The Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC/ACSS) CASC/ACSS is a national multifaith organization which is committed to the professional education, certification and support of people involved in pastoral care and pastoral counselling. We provide educational programs for lay persons and clergy who are preparing to become chaplains, pastoral counsellors, ministers, priests, or community based pastoral care workers. We also provide education and certification for supervisors and specialists. CASC/ACSS is concerned with a holistic approach to health care and personal development with a special focus on spiritual and religious care.